Ten killed, over 130 injured in Delhi riots

February 25, 2020

Paramilitary troops patrol in a riot affected area after clashes erupted between people demonstrating for and against a new citizenship law in New Delhi, India, February 25, 2020 (Photo: REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui).

TEN people have been killed and more than 130 injured in some of the worst sectarian violence in India’s capital in years, as rioters went on the rampage in several parts of the city, setting fire to buildings and vehicles and attacking journalists.

Protests against a contentious citizenship law descended on Monday (24) into running battles between Hindus and Muslims in New Delhi’s northeast, with rioters armed with stones, swords and even guns out in force.

Police imposed a restriction on large gatherings in the area on the northeastern fringe of the megacity as the violence continued Tuesday (25) with reports of stone pelting and more structures set ablaze.

“I appeal to everyone to stop the violence. This madness has to stop,” Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who visited the Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital Tuesday where many of the injured were taken, told reporters, the Press Trust of India reported.

Nine civilians and one policeman have been killed so far, police said, adding that more than 90 civilians and almost 50 police officers were injured.

Delhi Police spokesman Mandeep Randhawa pleaded with locals “not to take the law in their own hands” and said authorities would crack down on troublemakers.

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